Revelation 1:1-8
Blessed Are Those Who Receive The Prophecy vv.1-3
v.1 The Word revelation here means to uncover. Jesus Christ, whom the book is about, wants His servants, His followers to know the mysteries of the last days. The main theme is that the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will come as the conquering warrior. It’s a book of confrontation written to seven churches, a book of confirmation, confirming by way of symbolism and metaphor that these prophecies will be fulfilled, and it’s a book of comfort for the Christian. We who place faith in Jesus Christ should have comfort, knowing the end is going to be great with Jesus. Billy Graham once said, “I’ve read the end of the book and know that it’s going to be ok.”
So Jesus gave this book to John- we believe the apostle John, the beloved. John was one of the three in Jesus’ enter circle. This is the same John who wrote the gospel of John and 1st, 2st, and 3rd John. The usage of 285 Old Testament citations and 550 Old Testament references further proves this is given to John. It’s similar to me writing something and people saying, yep that’s from Shane, it’s full of redneck! The early church leaders such as Justin Matyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement all affirm that John was indeed the author. Two possible dates for the book of Revelation. The first date could be AD 54-68. This would have been under Nero’s reign and he was notorious for cruelty to Christians. The second possible date would have been AD 81-96. The second date seems more likely because under the reign of Domitian, persecution spread to Asia Minor, to the seven churches mentioned in Revelation.
John warns the seven churches about heresies and to encourage authentic Christian discipleship.
v.1- I want to point out the word servant, the Greek word doulois meant slave. John was a slave of Jesus, a term of endearment that all followers of Christ should identify with in their service to Jesus. Because of our servant hood, we long to do what Christ wants. So, therefore; John bore witness about Jesus Christ and he gives us some instruction in verse 3.
v.3 a. Blessed are those who read this prophecy.
- Blessed are those who receive this prophecy.
- Blessed are those who respond to this prophecy.
Blessed Are Those Who Revere The King vv.4-6
- 4- What are the seven churches? Look at verse 11. Let me point out that John addresses the seven churches 54 times throughout this book. In Revelation, seven is highly symbolic. Seven stands for completion.
- 4- “from him who is and who was and who is to come” this is an OT reference found in Isaiah.
- 4- Who are the seven spirits? Three main theories: 1) Some believe the seven spirits are the seven archangels of Jewish tradition. 2) Others believe this is a special entourage of Jesus. 3) It could refer to the Holy Spirit ministering to the seven churches for the glory of Christ through the seven pastors. Why do I say this? Look at 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” It may just be that the seven spirits are really one Holy Spirit represented in seven pastors. It’s comforting to know that all believers have the Holy Spirit to guide us.
- 4-6 Verses four, five, six tells us why we should revere Christ. Why should we worship and revere Christ?
- Jesus is eternal v.4 (who is and who was and who is to come)
- Jesus is faithful v.5
- Jesus is the resurrection v.5 (firstborn of the dead)
- Jesus is King of kings v.5
- Jesus is love v.5
- Jesus is the liberator v.5 (Isaiah 42)
- Jesus is the one who empowers v.6
What do we know about His return based on verse 7-8?
- All will see Him.
- Sadness will occur for those who do not have a saving relationship with Him.
- Sovereign Reign belongs to Christ, He is the beginning and the end!